The BBC have announced that Ferdinand, who has 81 caps for England, will provide analysis and insight during the tournament, which runs from June 12 to July 13.

The Manchester United defender will be joined by usual pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, as well as former team-mate Phil Neville and other international stars.

Represent: Ferdinand was capped 81 times by England between 1997 and 2011

Future: The BBC aim to make Brazil 2014 the first truly digital World Cup, with enhanced social media services

Ferdinand, 35, has represented England in Japan and Korea in 2002, as well as Germany in 2006. He was injured for the World Cup in South Africa in 2010, but is eager to be back on the big stage, albeit behind the scenes rather than on the pitch.

On the couch: Ferdinand will be alongside BBC regulars Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker and Alan Hansen

Past: Ferdinand represented England in the 2002 World Cup, scoring against Denmark in the round of 16

Ferdinand will also front a documentary, film features during the tournament and have a special role with interactive and social media content as the BBC looks to provide audiences with the first truly digital World Cup.

BBC’s Head of TV Sport, Philip Bernie, said: 'We are delighted to have Rio with us for the World Cup and believe he will be a real star of our coverage this summer.

'The BBC has a proud reputation of delivering the biggest names and highest quality coverage at major football tournaments and we are sure Rio will play a central part in helping us deliver this again.'

Down and out: Ferdinand also played in Germany in 2006, but was injured for South Africa in 2010

Club matters: No doubt Ferdinand will have to answer questions regarding Manchester United after what looks to be a difficult season for his side